Networking event helps more local businesses make connections

(October 1, 2015) More than 80 Tampa Bay area professionals came out to learn more about doing business with airport rental car companies and the Airport Marriott Hotel at an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) event held on Monday, Sept. 28.  The networking event was designed as an opportunity for women and minority-owned companies to meet with the existing and future tenants of the Airport’s consolidated rental car facility. 

The attendees represented a variety of trades including vehicle repair, maintenance supplies, staffing, janitorial services, security and signage.

Among those in attendance was Roy Bryan, owner of the Tampa start-up company, Bryan Repair Shop Solutions. Bryan said that his company, which specializes in operational management for commercial vehicle rental, would be a great fit for the businesses at the event.  And he said that even if he does not end up working with any of the rental car operators right away, it was a great opportunity for him.

“I came here today to network,” said Bryan. “To talk to the businesses and meet people in the industry. I am trying to build a business of my own, to live the American dream, and this is part of that building process. These types of events are a priceless business tool.”

DBE Program Manager Cheryl Hawkins said that the event was significant for both the local businesses and the tenants.

“We’re very pleased that our on-Airport rental car companies are here to meet with potential new business partners and especially happy to see the off-Airport rental car operators that will be tenants in the new rental car facility when it opens in 2017,” said Hawkins. “The off-Airport operators are not subject to our ACDBE requirements now, but by attending the event today demonstrate that they are interested in our ACDBE program and will be prepared to comply with their contractual requirements when they become tenants.”